She did not speculate about Madison’s motives.
She did not call her cruel or jealous.
She simply described what had happened.
When she finished, Dr. Brooks asked whether there were witnesses.
“Ethan saw part of it,” Amara said. “Chloe and Sloane were here. Other students may have seen the beginning.”
The teacher beside her nodded.
“We can identify the students who were present.”
“Do you have the messages?” Dr. Brooks asked.
“Yes. I forwarded them to Mr. Larkin.”
“Good. Keep the originals.”
Amara nodded.
Madison’s gaze darted between them.
“Wait,” she said. “You’re taking her word for everything?”
“No,” Dr. Brooks replied. “I’m documenting her account. We will hear yours as well.”
Madison exhaled sharply.
“Fine. My account is that she cheated, and I was trying to expose it.”
“Then we will need the evidence supporting that claim.”
“I have the photograph.”
“Where did you obtain it?”
Madison hesitated.
“I found it.”
“Where?”
“In a shared folder.”
“Which folder?”
Madison looked toward Chloe.
Chloe’s expression changed.
Sloane shifted uncomfortably.
Dr. Brooks noticed.
“Chloe, do you know where the photograph came from?”
Chloe looked down.
“I don’t know.”
Madison snapped, “Yes, you do.”
Chloe’s eyes widened.
“Madison.”
“You sent it to me.”
“I forwarded it.”
“From where?”
Chloe swallowed.
“I thought it was from the study group.”
Amara’s attention sharpened.
“What study group?”
Chloe glanced at her, then away.
“The one for the fellowship.”
“I wasn’t in that group.”
“No,” Chloe said quietly. “You weren’t.”
Dr. Brooks asked, “Who was?”
Chloe named several students.
Then she added, “Madison had the original image.”
Madison’s face reddened.
“That doesn’t prove anything.”
“No one has said it does,” Dr. Brooks replied. “But it is information we need to verify.”
The teacher beside Amara collected the remaining paper fragments and placed them into a clear folder.
“Should we take these to the office?” she asked.
“Yes,” Dr. Brooks said. “Please preserve them.”
Madison watched the folder being closed.
For the first time, she seemed to understand that the torn papers were not merely discarded schoolwork. They were now part of a documented incident.
She looked at Amara.